Rebirth: Marry a General instead of a Prince

After noon, when the sun was setting, Bai Zhiyuan went to the palace with his father Bai Tingxuan, his mother Princess Duanhui and his brother Bai Qiuze to attend the annual New Year's Eve palace banquet.

The coachman was waiting in front of the mansion early. Bai Zhiyuan and Princess Duanhui were in one carriage, while Bai Tingxuan and Bai Qiuze were in another. The carriage was driving slowly on the road in the capital. Because it was New Year's Eve, there were fireworks everywhere, and the sound of flutes and drums was boiling.

They didn't know how long they had been driving when they heard the driver outside call for a halt. The servants outside opened the curtain and they slowly got off the carriage.

When Bai Zhiyuan got off the carriage and saw the scene in front of him, he couldn't help but feel a little dazed.

The carriage stopped outside the palace gate. It was already completely dark. Under the dark sky, the luxurious and magnificent scene of the imperial palace could be seen.

Bai Zhiyuan took a deep breath. After she married Qi Zeyi in her previous life, the palace was a place she often went in and out. This time it felt like a lifetime ago.

The eunuch leading the way brought them to the venue of today's banquet - Xuanhua Palace. All they heard was the eunuch shouting in a long voice: "General Weiyuan has arrived - Princess Duanhui has arrived - General Guanying has arrived -"

The sounds of talking and laughing in the hall came to an abrupt halt, and eyes from all over gathered on both sides of the hall and fell on Bai Zhiyuan and his companions.

Many people stood up and exchanged greetings with Bai Tingxuan. Seeing this, Bai Zhiyuan sat down with his mother.

Suddenly, Bai Zhiyuan felt a tight gaze, and raised his eyes. Even from a distance, Bai Zhiyuan could feel Jiang Muyun's scrutiny and jealousy. Bai Zhiyuan curled his lips and smiled slightly, not caring at all.

There was also an inquiring look from Qi Zeyi, the King of Yan. Bai Zhiyuan seemed to be unaware and just drank his tea.

Tonight the hall was brightly lit, with maids singing and dancing. The royal family, civil and military officials who were attending the banquet entered the palace one after another, and the hall was filled with toasts and congratulations.

After a while, the eunuch shouted loudly: "The Emperor has arrived - the Empress Dowager has arrived - the Empress has arrived - the Concubine Rou has arrived - the Concubine Shu has arrived -"

Upon hearing this, everyone stood up and knelt.

Seeing this, Emperor Renxiao said loudly: "My dear ministers, please stand up. Today is New Year's Eve. Don't be so reserved."

After hearing this, everyone bowed to thank the emperor for his grace and then took their seats.

The Emperor, Empress, and Empress Dowager were sitting on the throne. Bai Zhiyuan looked up and saw that Emperor Renxiao had reached the age of knowing his destiny, but he looked younger than his age. His face was ruddy, and his expression was steady and majestic. He was no different from when Bai Zhiyuan saw him in his previous life. No wonder he was reluctant to appoint a crown prince. After all, he was still in his prime.

Qi Zeyi sat together with the other princes. He was now extremely outstanding among all the princes, otherwise his father would not have asked for this marriage.

Bai Zhiyuan's eyes turned to Xie Yunsong again. Today, he was wearing an official uniform, which made him look more radiant. His handsome face was indifferent, adding a bit of coldness. From time to time, the wives of the high-ranking officials present secretly looked over there.

After three rounds of drinks, Emperor Renxiao waved his hand and the charming dancers retreated.

Emperor Renxiao sat on a high throne, looking at the officials with a dignified look, and slowly said: "Some time ago, Liuzhou was hit by a major epidemic. I ordered General Yunhui and General Guanying to go to Liuzhou together. The two really lived up to my expectations and successfully pacified Liuzhou and returned to Beijing before the end of the year. The two made great contributions, appeased the people of Liuzhou, and uncovered the crimes of Liuzhou prefect Liu Huaisu. Such great contributions deserve great rewards."

"But," Emperor Renxiao paused and continued, "I heard that there was another person who made great contributions during this trip to Liuzhou."

After Emperor Renxiao finished speaking, he raised his eyes, glanced at the officials, and asked loudly, "Where is General Weiyuan's daughter?"

Upon hearing this, Bai Zhiyuan immediately stood up, walked quickly to the seat of Emperor Renxiao, knelt down, and bowed down, "Your servant Bai Zhiyuan greets the emperor, the queen mother, the queen, and all the ladies."

At this time, the Queen Mother's voice sounded from above: "Lift your head and let me see."

Bai Zhiyuan raised her head obediently. The Queen Mother was startled for a moment, then smiled and said, "She is indeed a symbol of beauty. I heard that you have made great contributions in Liuzhou. You are worthy of being the daughter of a great general. You are brave and resourceful." Then she turned around and said to the Emperor, "Emperor, you must reward this little girl from the Bai family."

She then said to Bai Zhiyuan, "Most girls love beauty, so I will give this hairpin to Miss Bai." After saying that, she waved her hand, and a palace servant immediately handed over a purple glazed hairpin in a gold-wire box.

Upon seeing this, Bai Zhiyuan glanced at Xie Yunsong inconspicuously, suppressed the doubts in his heart, hurriedly thanked him, and took the hairpin with both hands.

Seeing this, Emperor Renxiao laughed heartily and said, "It's rare that my mother likes Miss Bai so much."

"I heard that the arrest of Liu Huaisu this time was entirely due to Miss Bai's quick thinking and setting fire to the temple. Otherwise, you and Yun Hui would have been in trouble. She is indeed the daughter of a great general and a heroine. Hahaha..."

Bai Zhiyuan said respectfully: "Your Majesty, you are too kind. I was willful and took the initiative to follow my brother to Liuzhou. Thank you for your grace in not blaming me."

Emperor Renxiao smiled and said, "I know that you and your brother have a deep relationship, so how can I blame you? Not only will I not blame you, I will also reward you well."

After saying that, he glanced at King Qi Zeyi of Yan again, and thought of the rumors of the past few days, feeling quite unhappy.

Bai Zhiyuan saw a hint of dissatisfaction in Emperor Renxiao's eyes when he looked at Qi Zeyi, and thought to himself: As expected, even the emperor knows about Qi Zeyi and Jiang Muyun.

At this moment, a beautiful and graceful voice spoke. It was Concubine Rou, Qi Zeyi's biological mother, "Your Majesty, this young lady of the Bai family is a heroine. I admire her and have also given her a reward."

As she spoke, she ordered the palace maid to present a flawless white mutton-fat jade bracelet. She smiled and said, "This bracelet was given to me by the Emperor when I first entered the palace. Today, I would like to take this opportunity to give it to Miss Bai."

There was silence in the hall.

Bai Zhiyuan felt countless pairs of inquiring eyes, and she slowly said, "Your Majesty, this gift is precious, and I am ashamed to accept it."

Concubine Rou's face was still full of smiles, but upon closer inspection, the smile did not reach her eyes. "Miss Bai, do you dislike my bracelet?"

Bai Zhiyuan said calmly, "Your Majesty, you are too kind. This item is a token of love between you and the Emperor. I dare not accept it. Please take back your order."

Upon seeing this, Emperor Renxiao said in a colder voice, "Since it is given to you by me, you should keep it well. Miss Bai, I will reward you."

When Concubine Shu saw this, a hint of sarcasm flashed in her eyes, but she said nothing.

Concubine Rou was stunned when she saw this, but immediately put on a smiling face again, "It's my fault for not thinking it through."

Emperor Renxiao looked at Bai Zhiyuan leisurely and said, "Miss Bai, I will confer upon you the title of Princess Rong'an. Since the Queen Mother likes you, you can often come to the palace to accompany her."

Bai Zhiyuan hurriedly expressed his gratitude.

Emperor Renxiao also rewarded Xie Yunsong and Bai Qiuze, and they both expressed their gratitude.

Emperor Renxiao ordered the palace maids to call dancers and the palace banquet continued.